Chip industry faces shortage of 7 lakh workers by 2030: IESA chief
The semiconductor industry is on the cusp of a significant crisis, with a potential shortage of around 7 lakh workers by 2030. This alarming prediction was made by Ashok Chandak, President of the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA). According to Chandak, the global shortage of skilled workers in the chip industry presents a unique opportunity for India to fill the void and establish itself as a major player in the sector.
The semiconductor industry is a critical component of the global technology ecosystem, with applications in everything from smartphones and laptops to automotive and industrial systems. However, the industry’s rapid growth has created a significant challenge in terms of skilled workforce availability. With the demand for semiconductors expected to continue growing in the coming years, the shortage of skilled workers could have far-reaching consequences for the industry as a whole.
Chandak emphasized the need for India to update its technical curriculum and develop manufacturing-related training programs to tackle the issue. “Worldwide, there is a problem, and India has the opportunity to fill the void,” he stated. This sentiment is echoed by industry experts, who believe that India’s large pool of skilled workers and favorable business environment make it an attractive destination for semiconductor companies looking to set up manufacturing operations.
The Indian government has already taken steps to promote the growth of the semiconductor industry, with initiatives such as the “Make in India” program and the “Digital India” initiative. These programs aim to encourage foreign investment, promote domestic manufacturing, and develop the country’s digital infrastructure. However, more needs to be done to address the shortage of skilled workers and provide the industry with the talent it needs to grow and thrive.
One of the key challenges facing the semiconductor industry is the lack of skilled workers with expertise in areas such as chip design, manufacturing, and testing. The industry requires a highly specialized workforce, with workers needing to have a strong foundation in fields such as physics, mathematics, and computer science. However, the current education system in India is often criticized for being theoretical and not providing students with the practical skills needed to succeed in the industry.
To address this issue, Chandak stressed the need for industry-academia partnerships to develop curricula that are relevant to the needs of the semiconductor industry. This could involve collaborations between universities and industry players to develop training programs that provide students with hands-on experience and practical skills. Additionally, the government could provide incentives for companies to invest in worker training and development programs, which could help to address the shortage of skilled workers.
The potential benefits of addressing the shortage of skilled workers in the semiconductor industry are significant. Not only could it help to establish India as a major player in the global semiconductor industry, but it could also create thousands of new job opportunities for skilled workers. According to Chandak, the semiconductor industry has the potential to create over 1 million new jobs in India by 2030, with the majority of these jobs being in the manufacturing sector.
In conclusion, the predicted shortage of 7 lakh workers in the semiconductor industry by 2030 is a wake-up call for India to take immediate action to address the issue. By updating its technical curriculum, developing manufacturing-related training programs, and promoting industry-academia partnerships, India can provide the semiconductor industry with the skilled workers it needs to grow and thrive. With the government’s support and the industry’s collaboration, India can capitalize on the opportunity presented by the global shortage of skilled workers and establish itself as a major player in the global semiconductor industry.
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